Whether you’re trying to save money or simply optimizing your space, many of us are sleeping in teeny tiny bedrooms each night. But having a small bedroom doesn’t mean you have to feel cramped!
With a few simple tricks, you can maximize your space and trick yourself into thinking you’ve got the biggest bedroom on the block. Try these tips to make your small bedroom look larger.
Think Vertically
Chances are, you have a lot of unused real estate in the upper half of your bedroom. From picture frames to shelving units to floor-length mirrors, there’s a lot of features you can add to your room to fill this empty space. Even a tall headboard can trick you into thinking your room is larger than it actually is.
Embrace Furniture on Legs
A lot of midcentury modern furniture rests on small, tapered legs, which allows you to see more of your floor under your furniture. Whether it’s your bed frame, your nightstand, or a desk or side table, showcasing the floor underneath your furniture creates an illusion of depth which makes your room feel bigger.
You could take this a step further and actually loft your bed to really maximize your space. Just try not to make it feel too much like a dorm room!
Keep it Bright
Light-colored walls and decor help your room look more bright, which makes it feel more spacious. Don’t feel pressured to keep everything white if that’s not your style, but avoid mixing too many different colors (especially darker tones) or bold prints, since this will make your room feel more cluttered.
Drop the Drapes
If your room gets any natural light, soak it up! Getting rid of curtains or drapes can help to enhance the brightness of your room. If you’re worried about privacy, try using thin drapes or light-colored curtains that blend into your wall.
Get a Floor-Length Mirror
Mirrors provide an optical illusion that tricks your brain into thinking you actually have a bigger room. Floor length mirrors work better than small ones, since they reflect more of your room. Place your mirror near your window for maximum effect—this enhances both the brightness and depth of your space!
Small Wallpaper Prints or Striped Wallpaper
If you decorate with wallpaper, choose paper with small prints or vertical stripes. Large prints will dwarf your room and make it feel even smaller. Vertical stripes will draw your eyes towards the high ceilings instead of to your cluttered floor space.
Ghost It
Translucent desks or chairs (sometimes called ghost furniture) take up space without really looking like they take up space. Because they’re translucent, your eyes slide right past them when scanning the room. Not only are they stylish, but they open up your small bedroom and make it feel much larger.
Keep It Clean
This goes without being said, but if your floor is cluttered with clothes or magazines, your space is going to feel smaller. You’re a grown up—keep it clean!
Small spaces don’t have to be bare to feel big. By thoughtfully maximizing your living space and using a few simple tips to trick your eyes, your small bedroom can feel spacious while still looking, well, lived in!
